By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
THE Endeavour Hills community young and old has helped put together a garden for a local high school.
Earlier this month students from Gleneagles Secondary College could be seen working in their new community garden, which was constructed with the help of the volunteer team at the Andrews Centre.
“Gleneagles Secondary College and the Andrews Centre have a long and productive history together,” assistant principal Adele Duffy said.
“Families and students in our community have benefitted from a wide range of support accessed through the centre and, in return, we have provided access to facilities whenever needed.
“So when Andrews Centre CEO Judy Martin approached the school to use some of our land to set up a community garden we were keen to form a partnership.
“Six months later we have an active committee of volunteers, an official licensing agreement with the school council and, most importantly, the beginnings of a community garden.”
Year nine students in the Landscaping elective will be contributing to the maintenance of the garden area, as well as continuing to work on the extensive school gardens already established.
Skilled retirees are also being invited to pass on gardening knowledge to Gleneagles students and others in the community.
“The garden is intended to provide a space for people within the local community to grow their own vegetables and herbs in their own allocated garden plot,” Mrs Duffy said.
“Access to the community garden is intended for those families who struggle to provide fresh vegetables for their families because of cost or lack of space to grow their own.
“It will provide meaningful work to those people struggling to get work, living alone or in isolation.
“Whilst growing organic vegetables members of our community garden will have an opportunity to meet other people, be involved in productive activities, share or exchange produce and develop links with others living in their community.”
